Doo-doo doo-doo do do, doo dee doo doo doo...Oh, sorry, we didn't notice you there. We were just humming Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" as a tribute to the upcoming return of the Alfa Romeo Spider. Well, some sort of Alfa roadster.

Not only will the Spider be returning (no matter what name it wears, we'll call it a Spider), but Fiat has just signed an agreement authorizing that previously-discussed partnership with Mazda that would allow the guys who build the MX-5 Miata to build the topless Alfa Romeo. Mazda will build both cars at its Hiroshima plant starting in 2015, but while both the next Miata and the new Spider will be based on the same chassis and built in the same factory, each will be powered by a unique engine and each will wear unique styling. So, like the BRZ and FR-S, but with unique styling and different engines.

But the world can always use more inexpensive sports cars, and we're glad to hear Fiat is serious enough about this to go to Mazda for help. And if that gets us a Miata with sexy Italian handling and a small turbocharged inline-four, well, that's just peachy. [via Fiat and Mazda]

Press Release:

Mazda and Fiat Sign Agreement for New Alfa Romeo Roadster
Further to the joint announcement of May 23, 2012, Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. (Fiat) announced today the signing of the Final Agreement which will see Mazda produce an open-top two-seater sports car for Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand at its Hiroshima, Japan, plant starting from 2015.
The new Alfa Romeo roadster will be developed for the global market, and will be based on the architecture of the next generation Mazda MX-5. The agreement foresees for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.
Through this contractual agreement, Mazda aims to enhance development and production efficiency and revitalize enthusiasm for open-top two-seater sports cars around the world. For Fiat, this collaboration will permit the company to deliver a modern interpretation of the classic Alfa Romeo roadster utilizing the latest technical solutions, helping Alfa Romeo to achieve its stated goals by 2016.